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Queen Elizabeth II

Queen’s horse wins at Royal Ascot

The Queen’s horse, Dartmouth, won the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot on Saturday, the first time Her Majesty has won a race at Ascot in three years.

Her Majesty’s horse entered the race at 10-1 and won in The Queen’s colours, ridden by Olivier Peslier and trained by Sir Michael Stoute.

There was drama though at the end of the race after a stewards inquiry was held, after Dartmouth appeared to interfere  with the second places horse, Highland Reel, after they appeared close together.

The results were upheld though, and Her Majesty’s horse won despite an anxious wait.

Estimate was the last horse to win a race at Royal Ascot for The Queen. He famously won the Gold Cup in 2013, and Her Majesty became the first monarch to win the race in it’s history.

Dartmouth was also Sir Michael Stoute’s 75th win at the meeting, and was a 23rd win for the Queen.

Around £130,000 of prize money is awarded to the winner. The Queen will receive the majority of this as winning owner.

The Queen’s racing advisor, John Warren, said: “It’s been a long week and there have been a few ups and downs.

“This is the Olympics of racing and even to have a runner here is huge. To end up with a winner is so fantastic.”

This is the high point of The Queen’s week at Ascot. Her low point came on Thursday after her horse, Guy Fawkes suffered a fatal injury and had to be put down.

Her Majesty’s three-year-old gelding broke it’s foot during the running of the King George V Stakes in the world’s most famous horse racing meeting.

 The jockey, Pat Smullen took a heavy fall when the horse fell at the rear of the field, however he was uninjured.

Guy Fawkes’ trainer, William Haggas, said: “Unfortunately he suffered a compound fracture in a right foot and had to be put to sleep. He just took a false step. It’s very sad.”